Sunderland are in formal talks with Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat. The Black Cats are the most advanced of any club pursuing the 23-year-old this summer
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Vladyslav Vanat Dynamo Kyiv
Vladyslav Vanat boasts an impressive goals record with Dynamo Kyiv
(Image: Getty)
Sunderland are leading the chase for Dynamo Kyiv's striker Vladyslav Vanat this summer.
The 23-year-old, who has an impressive scoring record in his home country of Ukraine, has been linked with several Premier League clubs, but it's the Black Cats who have made the most significant moves so far.
It's understood by Chronicle Live that Sunderland had already devised a strategy to pursue Vanat if they secured promotion to the top flight, even before last season ended. Their 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the play-off final confirmed their promotion, and the club's hierarchy has maintained their interest in the forward.
Currently, Sunderland are the only Premier League team formally in discussions with Vanat's representatives. It's anticipated that an agreement on personal terms could be swiftly reached if both clubs can agree on a transfer fee.
However, there could be a stumbling block. Reports suggest that Dynamo are asking for as much as £21million for Vanat, who has never played club football outside Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side is adamant about not lowering their asking price. The management in Kyiv would ideally like to retain Vanat for their Champions League qualifying campaign, which is set to kick off on 22 July, reports the Express.
Sunderland's pursuit of Dynamo Kyiv's Vanat could be hampered by the complex political climate in Ukraine, making it difficult for the selling club to secure a top-tier replacement.
Given this, it's unlikely that Sunderland will be able to acquire Vanat for less than Dynamo's valuation early in the transfer window.
Vanat, a product of Dynamo's academy, made his senior debut as a teenager and became a regular in the first team at the start of the 2022/23 season.
The Ukrainian international, who has scored twice in 11 appearances for his country, boasts a record of 27 goals in 67 matches for his club.
He also has experience playing in the Europa League, having made several appearances in the competition over the last two seasons.
Last season, Wilson Isidor was Sunderland's leading scorer in the Championship with 13 goals. The French striker initially joined on loan from Zenit before the move was made permanent during the winter transfer window.
Manager Regis Le Bris is eager to strengthen his attacking options ahead of his Premier League managerial debut. Sunderland are set to kick off their campaign against West Ham on 16 August.
They have already added Enzo Le Fee to their ranks permanently in a £19m move. That deal was completed as part of the terms of the French playmaker's initial loan move from Roma in January.
Sunderland also have the money from the sale of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund and Tommy Watson's switch to Brighton burning a hole in their pockets.